Ndifreke P. AKPAN
Three days after opening up 28 roads in Uyo, Governor Udom Emmanuel on Friday further cemented his place in the hearts of Akwa Ibom people as he continued unveiling more roads constructed within the last one year in Uyo metropolis.
The Governor who has turned the State Capital, into one big construction site flagged of 11 new networks of roads in three different axis of the capital city.
The roads included Asutan Street, Bassey Attah Street, Mbiakong, Ebong Street, Ebong Lane and Effiong Udo Akpan at the Wellington Bassey Way area; Udotung Ubo Lane, Akparen Street and Ibiono Lane in Udotung Ubo axis as well as Prof Offiong Street and Justice Edet Nkop Street at the Shelter Afrique area.
At each location, Governor Emmanuel assured the people that he was committed to building roads and connecting people in the grassroots to activate the economic and social lives of the people.
At Wellington Bassey Way Axis, the Governor who had arrived there at exactly 2pm as scheduled, told the cheering crowd that he was happy to reconnect them with the rest of the state.
He lamented that the area which is known as Uyo village was so close to the seat of power yet cut off by poor access roads, and assured that with the roads network, the Uyo villagers can afford improve security and socio-economic activities.
The Governor said he decided to accede to the pressure to personally commission those roads as against other earlier scheduled industrial and economic projects, because of the deep connection and love he has for the grassroots.
Mr Emmanuel announced that the dual carriage federal roads executed by his administration would be commissioned by the President during the state anniversary celebrations later this year.
He appreciated everyone for their unprecedented show of support and appreciation, and also charged them to remain vigilante and protect the public utilities in their domains.
Speaking at the Wellington Bassey Way axis, a Villager and University Lecturer Dr. Idongesit Henry said for 50 years he had resided in the community, no grading or excavation had ever been carried out, maintaining that he never believed any Governor would consider the repairs of the roads because of their devastating condition.
Just as recorded by other speakers in each location, the beneficiaries of the projects, including Mrs Eunice Thomas, a former commissioner in the state executive council, all assured that they will reciprocate the Governor’s gestures by supporting his re-election.
Mrs Thomas who spoke on behalf of the Shelter Afrique beneficiaries said the Governor has remained upbeat in his show of love to the people of the state, and prayed for God’s continuous blessings on him and his team.
A former Permanent Secretary, Sir Valentine Attah recounted how he vacated his property at the estate because of the poor accessibility, adding that the new roads will enable economic activities in the area.
Speaking at the separate projects locations, the Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen said the projects were executed in accordance to the global standards established by the Governor.
Mr Inyangeyen assured that the drains on both sides of the roads and the excavation of the soil for re-enforcement with better materials and stone base before asphalting, present the roads as the best obtained anywhere in the world.
The Governor commenced the round of commissioning last Tuesday with Youth Avenue in Mbiabong Etoi, Concrete Hotel Road in Ewet Housing and the Atlantic FM road connections to represent over 28 roads he had executed in the capital city.
